Continuously variable transmission system

Abstract

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system, which turns the rear wheels of a lawn mower or similar vehicle at different speeds in a coordinated method with the front steering wheels in order to achieve the best turning radius (including a tight or zero turn radius, if desired) under most conditions. The system comprises two stages: the first stage comprising a Fixed Center Distance CVT pulley system, and the second stage comprising dual CVTs (e.g., left and right) that input into dual gear reducers (left and right), which are mechanically connected to the rear wheels. The second stage dual CVTs (left and right) are synchronized with the steering wheel, thus achieving different rear wheel speeds and/or directions based on the steering wheel position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system for a small vehicle with an engine and engine shaft, a steering wheel mechanically connected to a steering plate, and a right and left rear wheel, comprising:
 a primary stage comprising a fixed center distance (FCD) pulley system with at least two pulleys, a first primary stage pulley and a second primary stage pulley, wherein the first primary stage pulley is mechanically connected to the engine or engine shaft, and the first and second stage pulleys are connected by a first belt; and 
 a secondary stage mechanically connected to said primary stage, said secondary stage comprising an adjustable center distance (ACD) pulley system with at least two gears, and with at least four pulleys arranged in right and left pairs, each pair comprising a front and back pulley connected by a right or left second belt, wherein the front pulley of each pair is connected to a corresponding gear, and further wherein the back pulley of each pair is mechanically connected to the right or left rear wheels of the vehicle, respectively; 
 wherein the pitch diameters of some or all of the pulleys in the secondary stage are changed in response to rotation of the steering plate, causing one of the rear wheels to speed up and the other rear wheel to slow down in a coordinated manner. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein either said first or second primary stage pulley is mechanically connected to a speed control pedal on the vehicle. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the back pulley of each pair of pulleys in the secondary stage is mechanically connected to a reducer, which is mechanically connected to the respective rear wheel. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the front pulleys of the secondary stage are dual idler pulleys mounted on the steering plate, each with a first idler pulley part and a second idler pulley part, and the first belt extends from the first primary stage pulley to the first part of the right front secondary stage idler pulley to the second primary stage pulley to the first part of the left front secondary stage idler pulley. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the second idler pulley part of each of the front pulleys of the secondary stage is connected by the right or left second belt to the respective back pulleys. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein rotation of the steering plate causes the right and left dual idler pulleys to move toward and away from their respective back pulleys in opposite directions, thereby changing the pitch diameter of the pulley. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the front pulleys of the secondary stage are idler pulleys mounted on the steering plate, and are further connected by individual gears to the second primary stage pulley. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 7 , wherein rotation of the steering plate causes the respective right and left idler pulleys to move toward and away from their respective back pulleys in opposite directions, thereby changing the pitch diameter of the pulley. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , further wherein the second primary stage pulley is mechanically connected to said at least two gears in the secondary stage. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a third gear mechanically connecting the second primary stage pulley to said at least two gears in the secondary stage.